Goose Island | Environmental & Ecological Authority of Chicago
Programming | Structural Implementation [05/15/2015]
Implementing the building as a threshold for the existing urban fabric & constucted site; holding the line between the existing city, and the implemented natural landscape. The centnral axis of our building represents the exact line where one crosses into the other. A long span beam interacts at the centerline, creating physical representation of the transition,and guides the user into the two varying environments. Our central structural members are constructed of steel with an I-beam cross section. The unique profile helps to direct shear to the buildings central axis, and counteracts bending from floor slabs above.
To reinforce the design strategy of two varying environments, slender cylindrical columns meet the slabs edge to keep the grade transition as open as possible. Ultimately, these columns will use tensile strength to suspend the slab at its edge, alowing for open exposure of both environments. The typical bay size created by our structure is 46’ (from centerline of column to edge of slab) by 30’ (from centerline to centerline of column). In the center of the floor plate, this structural grid is replaced with shear walls that contain vertical circulation and restroom facilities. A one-way slab runs the 30’ between each of our major strucural members, and a drop ceiling conceals mechanical & plumbing systems within interior space.
The structural framing manifests a physical dividing line between the two environments of our larger project, and ultiumately directs the observational and interactive space within.Public Space | Power & Importance in 21st Century Urban Environment
Analysis | Contemporary Urban Design Theory [05/05/2014]
My evolving definition of public space roots in my ideas, ideals, and understanding of urban public space as it pertains to the user, the governance, and the architect. It may be characterized as;
|1. A space where one’s activity/occupancy is no more important, and/or accommodated for than anothers
|2. A Space which organizes various individual occupancies into that of the indirect “collective” occupancy
|3. The result of social, and economic constructs fit into a much larger system of organization
|4. A space where access & connectedness must be a driving force
|5. Ones right to use, and appropriation
I believe public space is both intertwined within multiple socio-economic, cultural, and economic constructs. Hhowever, public space can also become the catalysts or proponents for such. I believe public space requires both a contextual collective identity, understanding of the use involved with the space, in addition to, an understanding of ones liberty to appropriate or “indulge” in use within that space. Rooted in Richard Sennet’s ideas of creation out of civility, Brill explains his framework of “public” space as, “the activity that protects people from one another and yet allows them to enjoy one another’s company, and makes it possible for people to act together as citizens in the political, and social affairs of the city”. Within my individual framework, I believe the truthfulness of a space as “public” are solely dependent on initial components which then justify the truthfulness of the user, and his/her appropriation, as it relates to two categories of human inhabitation.
Only when space creates a psychological characteristic/participation of the user to that of the “collective”, encourages interaction social and physical, and maintains connected access to extended space does a space or place truly become “public”. Because of the essential component of active social participation, and the slow disintegration of such, the importance of public spaces’ relation to daily life becomes exponentially important to individuals,and the “collective” as technology integrates further into the daily lives of urban dwellers.John W. Schrader | Architecture, Planing, Design
John Schrader | Architectural Manifesto [01/17/2014]
Within the contemporary cultural context of architectural design, I see myself as a representative of my generation and aim to capture my generation’s beliefs, behaviors, identities, and apply these characteristics to coincide with timeless truths, and my individual architectural design. I believe the change in cultural, societal, educational, technological, and urbanity from previous generations to that of my own is so immense that a response must be made architecturally to accommodate the evolving constructs of society. Along with the immense influence of technology on all of these aspects, I believe architecture has unfortunately become static in past years, and through the adaption and tailoring of architecture, I aim to represent and accommodate for future inhabitants, in hopes of progressing past architectural manifestation for the enjoyment, efficacy, and success of future generations.